FLOOD RESILIENCY
Our Commitment
Mitigating the impacts of climate change, from sea level rise to increased rainfall intensity-duration-frequency statewide to make more flood resilient communities.
THE ISSUE
Virginians are already seeing the impacts of climate change across the state, from sea level rise along our coastlines to increased rainfall statewide. We must protect Virginians and preserve our natural resources through authentic community engagement, comprehensive flood resiliency planning, and careful investment in adaptation measures, ensuring an equitable future for all Virginians as well as the protection of our natural resources.
COMMUNITY FLOOD PREPAREDNESS FUND
In 2020, Virginia established the Community Flood Preparedness Fund (CFPF). The Fund received 45% of revenue raised through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative from 2021-2023. RGGI is a market-based program with 11 participating states that generate new funds while reducing electricity sector emissions. This pollution reduction program drives down greenhouse gas emissions which improves air quality and public health while also bringing in desperately needed revenue to help Virginia’s families with flood protection. RGGI raised over $372.5 million over the first three years of Virginia’s participation to fund the only statewide source for community flood resiliency funding.
In June 2023, the Virginia State Air Pollution Control Board voted to repeal Virginia’s participation in RGGI by December 31st, 2023. Now, the Governor and General Assembly must backfill this flood funding through the budget. The Governor’s budget proposal only allocated $100 million to the CFPF over Fiscal Years 2025-2026.
Bill of the Day: Defending RGGI
VCN is defending our participation in RGGI & keeping funds for families to ensure flood resiliency and energy efficiency in homes.
Community Flood Preparedness Fund Projects
RGGI is the sole source of revenue for Community Flood Preparedness Fund. See the projects in action across the state that are improving flood resiliency in Virginia.
OPINION: Pulling Out of RGGI Would Hurt Virginia Families
Gov-elect Youngkin pledged to remove Virginia from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). In response, Virginia Conservation Network's Climate & Energy Policy Manager, Narissa Turner, explains why withdrawing from RGGI would hurt Virginia's families.
Take Action! Virginia Coastal Resilience Master Plan
To ensure the Va Coastal Resilience Master Plan achieves its goals, SPEAK UP! Take the public survey and spread the word.
RESOURCES
Community Flood Preparedness Fund Grant Locations (with Senate District Boundaries)
Virginia Community Flood Preparedness Fund Grant Locations with Senate district boundaries.
Community Flood Preparedness Fund Grant Locations (with House District Boundaries)
Community Flood Preparedness Fund grant locations with House district boundaries
5 Reasons RGGI is a Good Deal for Virginians
The Environmental Defense Fund released a blog post outlining 5 reasons why RGGI is good for Virginia.
How RGGI Addresses Statewide Flood Risk
Our Partners at the Environmental Defense Fund highlight the importance of RGGI funds for addressing Virginia’s statewide flood risk.
Podcast: Rising Seas Can Also Mean Failing Septic Tanks
Wetlands Watch's Skip Styles discusses how failing septic tanks are signaling flood resiliency issues in NPR's "All Things Considered" podcast.